The vessel, part of Brigade 162 under Naval Region 4 Command of the Vietnam People’s Navy, received a formal send-off at Qingdao Port hosted by representatives of China’s North Sea Fleet, part of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Colonel Nguyen Vinh Nam, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4 Command and head of the Vietnamese delegation, said the crew had received warmed warm welcome during the visit, which included courtesy calls on Qingdao authorities and the North Sea Fleet command.

During the port call, officers toured the PLAN’s Weifang ship and hosted Chinese naval officers aboard the frigate. Naval personnel from both sides also held sporting exchanges intended to build trust and mutual understanding.

A reception held aboard the Vietnamese frigate on December 3 created “a friendly and close atmosphere,” leaving a strong impression on both navies, Nam said.

He added that the trip made a practical contribution to strengthening friendship, cooperation, confidence and mutual understanding between the two navies.

Upon departure, the frigate conducted joint drills at sea with the PLAN’s ship 550, including communications checks, formation manoeuvres and a ceremonial naval salute.

After completing the exercises, the Vietnamese frigate set course for Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, for another goodwill visit.

Frigate 015-Tran Hung Dao embarks on goodwill visit to China

VOV.VN - Frigate 015-Tran Hung Dao of Brigade 162, Naval Region 4 Command of the Vietnam People’s Navy, docked at a port of Qingdao City, Shandong province, China, on December 1, marking the first stop on the ship’s goodwill visit to China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.